Bank of Hawai‘i CEO Peter Ho to Retire; James Polk Named Successor

A Legacy of Internal Leadership

Ho’s departure concludes a career at the bank spanning more than three decades. After joining the firm in 1993, he was elevated to the CEO role in 2010. During his leadership, the institution maintained a dominant position in the local market through multiple economic cycles. The transition comes as the bank continues to navigate a shifting interest rate environment and regional economic pressures.

James Polk is a veteran of the institution, having first joined the bank in 1999. Before his current role as president, he served in several key capacities, including vice chair and chief banking officer. This internal promotion signals the board's confidence in the bank’s existing strategic trajectory and operational framework, favoring institutional knowledge over an external search.

According to official disclosures, Polk will receive an annual base salary of $825,000. His total compensation package also includes eligibility for both short-term and long-term incentive programs, aligning executive performance with shareholder interests. The appointment reflects a broader trend among regional banks to prioritize stability during high-level leadership handovers.